The Carolina Panthers welcomed 100 military personnel for a special event at the team’s recent training camp in Spartanburg.
It wasn’t just Carolina Panthers players getting a good workout during their training camp at Wofford College. The franchise welcomed armed forces personnel to Spartanburg for the USAA’s Salute to Service NFL Boot Camp, which represented a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the 100 military members in attendance.
During what turned out to be a thoroughly entertaining day for all involved, they were put through their paces in typical NFL drills and testing under the supervision of staff, which included the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, three-cone shuttle, receiving gauntlet, and the quarterback arm challenge.
This is the third annual USAA’s Salute to Service NFL Boot Camp that the Panthers have hosted during camp, which is the biggest preparation stage before preseason games and when things get more serious from Week 1.
Our #SaluteToService boot camps continue this week with the Carolina @Panthers! We invited military to enjoy training camp & participate in an @NFL combine. @JayGlazer even stopped by to coach a few drills! Learn more about how USAA honors our military at https://t.co/yBWSBbY17E pic.twitter.com/bOaV9DlUTS
— USAA (@USAA) August 10, 2022
Carolina Panthers GM Scott Fitterer visited USAA’s Salute to Service NFL Boot Camp
Each military member is based at various branches and posts throughout the Carolinas. Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer also took time out of his busy schedule to speak with the visitors and take photos following the conclusion of practice.
The event also received support from FOX Sports analyst Jay Glazer, who led some coaching drills and thanked each member of the military for their selfless work.
A USAA’s Salute to Service NFL Boot Camp spokesman told Cat Crave that the partnership between the organization and the Panthers is something to celebrate.
"“USAA uses its Carolina Panthers partnership to honor the military community for their service and raise awareness of how we can thank them in return. Often, these once-in-a-lifetime experiences are extended to the families of active-duty and veteran service members, as USAA recognizes and appreciates the service and sacrifice of the entire military family.”"
This is all part of the NFL’s ongoing relationship with the USAA, with the juggernaut hosting more than 10,000 military members at events including the draft, training camps, regular season games, the Pro Bowl, and the Super Bowl.
Christian McCaffrey is among the current Panthers players who actively support the military annually. And long may it continue.